Kia Motors is pleased to announce a brand new state-of-the-art model in its line-up of low-emission vehicles! Niro – a Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) – is an all-new dedicated hybrid vehicle with no predecessors in the existing Kia model lineup. This exciting new vehicle is set to be unveiled next year with overseas production scheduled for late 2016.
The ‘blank slate’ approach in creating the Niro represents Kia’s latest efforts in reducing environmental impact and its growing development and application of environmentally-conscious technologies. The Niro is the first of a new generation of eco-friendly vehicles for the brand.
We are proud to present the first official renderings of the Kia Niro. Read on to find out more about our newest green car addition and Kia’s future plans for environmental innovations!
All-new design and platform
The all-new Niro maintains the appeal of a compact SUV while incorporating the practical advantages of a hybrid car. Engineered in isolation from existing Kia vehicles, the Niro stands out in all respects, especially in terms of style and performance.
The Niro sports the shape of a compact SUV with the subtle stylistic details that give the vehicle a modern new look. It features a sleek and aerodynamic body with textured lines and the signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille that makes the vehicle immediately recognizable as a Kia. The long wheelbase and wide stance of the vehicle provides stability, comfort and spacious interior for passengers.
The newly designed platform of the Niro is composed of more than 50% ultra-high strength steel. The sturdy and lightweight body of the vehicle is expected to yield higher safety ratings and stronger performance as well as minimize noise, vibration and harness (NVH).
The new hybrid powertrain is also expected to provide low running cost and an impressive fuel economy. Kia’s 1.6-liter ‘Kappa’ gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine (105 ps power output and 147 Nm of torque) paired with a 1.56 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and 32 kW electric motor is expected to bring its CO2 emissions rating to under 90 g/km.
The strong body, stylish details and technological advancements of the Niro are expected to provide a smooth, steady and refined ride with enhanced handling and dynamics.
Kia’s future plans for eco-friendly innovations
The all-new platform and hybrid powertrain technology of the Niro is part of Kia’s wider efforts to become a leader in the low emission car markets. With extended use of ultra-high strength steel, Kia seeks to achieve 5% reduction in the weight of car bodies by 2020.
Furthermore, in the next five years, Kia will expand its green car line-up from the current four models to 11, aiming for a 25% improvement in average corporate fuel efficiency. Kia will also introduce a wider range of powertrains, from hybrid and plug-in hybrids to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
The debut of the Kia Niro marks the starting point of Kia’s next generation plans for eco-friendly innovations. As an aspiring leader of green automobile technologies, we hope to continue to inspire and surprise fans worldwide with our highly attractive and impressively practical vehicles that are suited to the lifestyles of the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Kia Niro, the first of many new green vehicles to come!
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